January 21, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued an urgent alert for a winter storm warning in San Diego County mountains from 6 p.m. tonight through 6 p.m. Friday evening. Heavy snow measuring 8 to 16 inches is possible above 4,000 feet with greater amounts in some areas. Winds with gusts up to 45 mph, will cause near zero visibility in blowing and drifting snow.

A flash flood watch has been issued for coastal and valley areas, with the heaviest rains of the week and thundershowers forecast for late Thursday and Friday. Waterspouts and tornados remain possible.

Last night, numerous rescues were made due to vehicles or pedestrians attempting to cross flooded roadways and fast-flowing streams. Many roads are blocked by rocks, debris and boulders. For updates on road hazards, see the CHP incident page for San Diego County at http://cad.chp.ca.gov/. You can also type in other California counties to get conditions elsewhere if you have to travel. Blizzard conditions will make travel in the mountains particularly dangerous. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of emergency.

A coastal flood warning has been issued for beach areas, where 15 to 20 foot high surf is forecast. Residents in low-lying coastal areas are advised to be alert for rising waters and take appropriate actions to protect life and property.

FIND WEATHER UPDATES IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Scroll down the left side of our homepage to the WEATHER box and type in your zip code to monitor current weather conditions in your neighborhood each time you visit our site.

GET EMERGENCY ALERTS BY E-MAIL:  Click the "subscribe" button at the top of our page to receive the FREE Viejas Wildfire & Emergency alerts.  During these storms, we issued alerts for a tornado warning and major road closures due to flooding or boulders in roadways. Stay safe--be informed!